Following the successful 2004 Model Railway Expo presented jointly by PICAL and the Phillip Island Masonic Lodge a small group of local railway modellers expressed their interest to Bro. Jack in forming a local club where an exchange of ideas, experience and problems could be discussed and/or resolved on a regular basis in a friendly atmosphere and from time to time, visit Exhibitions and Seminars relating to Railway Modelling. Jack has been President of the Phillip Island and District Railway Modellers Inc. for the first ten years of its existence guiding it along, to be the very resilient Club it is today, running an annual Railway Exhibition in Cowes. This is something that He is very proud of.
On the 10th of November 2004 the Phillip Island and District Railway Modellers Inc. was formed and since that time regular monthly meetings have been held at the homes of our members, visits to model railway exhibitions have been attended and the now well established annual Phillip Island Model Railway Exhibition held each January, has been presented by the Club for the enjoyment of the members, visiting holiday makers, serious train buffs and of course the ever present children.
In November 2009 the Club was offered a space to build a layout at the Phillip Island Senior Citizens Club rooms. Work commenced on this project after our 2010 Annual Exhibition and our fully computerised digital H.O. layout is well under way. Trains are expected to be running by Christmas 2010. When this is completed we are hoping to have extra running nights to cater for all our members.
On the 18th. October 2010 a Web Page was set up for the Club in the form of a Blog. At last the Club has entered the digital and computer age, with a new DCC Layout and a Website. Check out the photographs of these historic events.
After running another very successful Train Show (our 7th.) in January 2011, we ran a great Open Day at the Seniors Club Rooms on 30th. January. It was a great success thanks to all the wonderful articles, that appeared in the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser.
Sunday 13th. February 2011, a Train Club Library was formed, for the pleasure of all our Members.
On Sunday 10th April 2011 the first digital locomotives ran on the new Club Layout. They were remotely controlled with full digital sound on board. It was a pleasure to hear and a joy to see, another great achievement by Club Members.
September 2014 our Committee negotiated for more room for the Club Layout. A further eight feet was granted to us in the sun room, by the very generous Seniors Committee.
Next year we will look forward to another Model Railway Exhibition held here on the Island, all I can say is what an achievement, from humble beginnings, we have grown into a well oiled machine capable of anything we set our collective minds to, congratulations to all the Members of the Phillip Island & District Railway Modellers Inc. for a job well done. Foundation President Jack and founder of the Club.
